The Gut-Brain Axis (GBA): Deeper and Broader Scientific Studies Provide Expanded Evidence of the Plausible Efficacy to Health Impacts of the Intact Nutrition™ Lines Containing Nutri-Mastic™: Chios Mastic Gum, Ionic Minerals, and Water  

LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS

August 10, 2026

Napoleonville, LA IFUS:OTCID

On 6Aug26, Impact Fusion International offered additional emerging and plausible evidence as to the efficacy of the Intact Digest™ & Intact Endurance™ product lines containing Nutri-Mastic™.  This update included reports published by BenchChem™ and the European Medicines Agency, as well as any number of scientific studies published in juried journals.

As the IFUS Scientific Team continued its work on the IFUS White Paper (Part 1:  Intact Nutrition (Intact Digest™ & Intact Endurance™) with Nutri-Mastic™:  

Effect of Chios Mastic Gum (Pistacia lentiscus) combined with Ionic Minerals on Cardiovascular Function Rev.1a-21May26-ifus), new information was uncovered, which provides added evidence as to the various Gut-Organ/Tissue Axes…in this case the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA). 

The Gut-Brain Axis has been a focus of consideration for some time now as scientific evidence supports much of IFUS’ thinking regarding a triangulation between the Gut-Heart, the Gut-Liver, and the Gut-Brain Axes.  

Additionally, linkages between these three axes to the efficacy of Chios Mastic Gum are scientifically supported by several recent studies, each of which provide data and/or plausible science as to the function of various phytochemicals and phytohormones found specifically in Chios Mastic Gum in improving human health. These findings are further delineated by the role of specific ionic minerals. 

To that end, Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, MD, (Nicholas Fabiano, MD@NTFabiano) offers studies, one of which contains “a map of shared genetics between gastrointestinal and psychiatric disorders” (as illustrated below): 

“These findings are from a study in @JAMAPsych which aimed to investigate the shared genetic etiology between gastrointestinal tract diseases and psychiatric disorders and to identify shared genomic loci, genes, and pathways.” 

(Source: jamanetwork.com 2/9 x.com )

Excerpts from the original scientific investigation are offered below: 

Shared Genetic Etiology Between Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases and Psychiatric Disorders(https://jamanetwork.com)

The comorbidities and associations between gastrointestinal tract diseases and psychiatric disorders have been widely reported, which are likely regulated by the gut-brain axis (GBA). 3/9 x.com

M.M. Weiming Gong, et.al. go on to state, “The GBA is characterized by bidirectional interactions between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system (CNS) and link intestinal dysfunction and inflammation with brain function and psychiatric disorders. 4/9 

“Various biological mechanisms are involved in the GBA, such as inflammatory immune responses, the autonomic nervous system, and enteric nervous system, where the role of the composition of gut microbiota and related metabolites are crucial. 5/9 

“In this study, extensive genetic correlations and genetic overlaps were found among 22 of 24 trait pairs. 6/9 x.com  

“Gene-based analysis found 158 unique candidate pleiotropic genes, which were highly enriched in certain GBA-related phenotypes and tissues. 7/9 

“Whereas pathway enrichment analysis further highlighted biological pathways primarily involving cell adhesion, synaptic structure and function, and immune cell differentiation. 8/9 

“Overall, findings not only support the shared genetic basis underlying the gutbrain axis but also have important implications for intervention and treatment targets of these 2 types of diseases simultaneously. 9/9” 

The aforementioned study offers evidence that the gut-brain axis (GBA) contains 

“a plausible biological framework for these comorbidities”. Please note that per the Cleveland Clinic, “Comorbidities are medical conditions that coexist alongside a primary diagnosis and affect your health, including your treatment and outlook. Common comorbidities among hospitalized people include hypertension, diabetes and chronic lung disease. Multimorbidity is a similar term that means one person has two or more chronic conditions.” 

In summary, “The identified genes and pathways suggest that: 

  • Immune system regulation (immune cell differentiation) may bridge gut inflammation and neuroinflammation. 
  • Neural connectivity (synaptic structure/function) could link gut-derived signals to brain circuitry. 
  • Microbial interactions may mediate genetic effects on both gut and brain health.” 

Furthermore, the IFUS Scientific Team finds linkages to previous studies as to the effect of TNF-alpha, IL8, and IL-10 within “Systemic Circulation” and the interconnection to SCFA’s (Short Chain Fatty Acids) & neuroactive molecules, Microbial Metabolites, and the Microbiota, especially with what IFUS now believes are direct links to the Gut-Mitochondria Axis. 

In “Updated insights into the molecular networks for NLRP3 inflammasome activation,” the IFUS Scientific Team offered a link into pathways that lead to human disease and are plausibly affected by Chios Mastic Gum as shown in Fig. 1 below, where the effect of TNF-alpha and other chemical triggers on NF-κB Signaling and NLRP3 mRNA are delineated:

“Transcriptional regulation of NLRP3 expression. The activation of TLRs by 

DAMPs, PAMPs, and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF and IL-1β triggers NF-κB activation, which subsequently induces the transcription of the NLRP3 gene. This NF-κB-dependent transcription is mediated by FADD and caspase-8. During IAV infection, NLRP3 transcription is also upregulated via the ERK/cJun/AP-1 signaling pathway. In response to α-synuclein, Fyn kinase regulates PKCδ-mediated NF-κB activation, thereby promoting NLRP3 expression. 

Furthermore, atheroprone flow activates the NLRP3 inflammasome through SREBP2 activation. Under hypertonic stress, NFAT5 functions as a transcription factor to enhance NLRP3 expression. In endothelial cells exposed to high glucose conditions, ELF3 interacts with SET8 to regulate NLRP3 transcription. Conversely, during TCDD exposure, AhR suppresses NLRP3 expression. In models of LPS-induced septic shock and DSS-induced colitis, GSNOR modulates NLRP3 expression by reducing S-nitrosylated MAPK14 levels. Under hypoxic conditions, the accumulation of HIF-1α inhibits NLRP3 transcription by downregulating mTOR signaling and promoting autophagy, particularly in the context of DSS-induced colitis. AhR aryl hydrocarbon receptor, DAMP damageassociated molecular pattern, DSS dextran sodium sulfate, ELF3 transcription factor E74-like factor 3, FADD fas-associated death domain, GSNORSnitrosoglutathione reductase, HIF-1α hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, IAV influenza A virus, LPS lipopolysaccharide, MAPK14 mitogen-activated protein kinase 14, mTOR mammalian target of rapamycin, NFAT5 nuclear factor of activated T cells 5, PAMP pattern-associated molecular pattern, PKCδ protein kinase Cδ, RNS reactive nitrogen species, SNO S-nitrosation, SREBP2 sterol regulatory element-binding protein2, TCDD 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, TLR toll-like receptor, TNF tumor necrosis factor, TNFR tumor necrosis factor receptor.”

The diagram above clearly illustrates the multi-variable and multi-dimensional triggers and pathways believed to be responsible for any number of human ailments and diseases. 

In this, the IFUS Scientific Team finds information on chemical triggers (Like those illustrated above and in other studies) that are shown to activate the “NF-kB Signaling Pathway” mapped in the BenchChem™ study and linked to the NLRP3 Inflammasome. These include:

  • PAMPs – bacterial toxins, like those produced by H.Pylori.
  • DAMPs – extracellular ATP, uric acid crystals, and/or amyloid‑β aggregates. 
  • Cytokines – compounds like TNF, IL-P3, and more. 

Furthermore, “Beyond rare genetic syndromes, dysregulated NLRP3 activation contributes to many common diseases: 

  • Gout 
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Alzheimer’s disease 
  • Liver disease 
  • Metabolic syndrome 
  • Neurodegenerative disorders 
  • Cardiovascular disease” 

Source: Putnam CD, Broderick L, Hoffman HM. The discovery of NLRP3 and its function in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes and innate immunity. Immunol Rev. 2024 Mar;322(1):259-282. doi: 10.1111/imr.13292. Epub 2023 Dec 25. PMID: 38146057; PMCID: PMC10950545. 

In the search for evidence of the efficacy of Nutri-Mastic™ containing Chios Mastic Gum, Ionic Minerals, and water, the IFUS Team returns to the adage that it what we eat, how and when we eat it, and how and when it is absorbed, affects human health. Ensuring that digestive and absorptive pathways are “Intact” is central and key to Intact Nutrition™ supplementation. This newly and/or reestablished state of homeostasis in humans (and for that fact soil, plants, and animals) is believed to hold the key to improved health and well-being of each. Hence, the search for that truth and understanding continues. 

The IFUS Scientific Team finds additional evidence provided by Dr. Fabiano in support of this notion, which illustrates in the diagram below linkages to (1) diet, (2) pathways produced by dietary impacts, and (3) the interconnection between the gut and “Behavior and Cognition”:

Of note in the diagram above are the Polyphenols which in combination with “dietary proteins” produce “Bioactive metabolites.”

“Bioactive metabolites are naturally occurring compounds produced by organisms that exert biological effects on other organisms or cells, often with therapeutic or health-promoting properties. Definition and Overview 

Bioactive metabolites (BAMs) are chemical compounds synthesized by living organisms such as plants, bacteria, fungi, algae, and animals, which have biological activity beyond basic nutrition or metabolism MDPI+2. Unlike essential nutrients, bioactive metabolites are not required for survival but can influence physiological processes, modulate cellular functions, and contribute to disease prevention or treatment       Wikipedia+1. They are often classified as primary metabolites (e.g., amino acids, fatty acids, sugars) or secondary metabolites (e.g., alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics) based on their role in the producing organism MDPI+1.

Sources 

  • Plants: Fruits, vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants produce flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, terpenes, and polyphenols         Wikipedia+1.
  • Microorganisms: Bacteria and fungi generate metabolites with antimicrobial, antiviral, or anticancer properties, including polyketides, antibiotics, and non-antibiotic bioregulators         News-Medical.net.
  • Animals and Marine Organisms: Fatty acids, peptides, and other metabolites from fish, mollusks, and sponges can have bioactive effects News-Medical.net.

Biological Activities 

Bioactive metabolites can influence health and disease through multiple mechanisms: • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation Health Benefits Times.

  • Antimicrobial and antiviral activity that inhibits pathogens News-Medical.net.
  • Anticancer and neuroprotective properties, supporting prevention or treatment of diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes Frontiers.
  • Regulation of cellular processes, including enzyme activity, gene expression, and signaling pathways Frontiers. 

Applications

Bioactive metabolites are widely studied for their therapeutic potential and practical applications:

• Medicine: Development of natural drugs and supplements with low toxicity and high biocompatibility  Frontiers.

• Nutrition: Functional foods and dietary supplements enriched with bioactive compounds to promote health Wikipedia+1

• Agriculture: Enhancing plant growth, resistance to stress, and crop quality through metabolite-based bioregulators  MDPI.

Examples 

  • Flavonoids: Quercetin, catechins – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects Health Benefits Times.
  • Alkaloids: Morphine, quinine – analgesic and antimalarial properties Health Benefits Times.
  • Terpenoids: Carotenoids, saponins – antioxidant and immune-modulating effects Health Benefits Times.
  • Polyketides and phenolics: Antibiotic and anticancer activities Frontiers+1. In summary, bioactive metabolites are natural compounds with significant biological effects, offering potential benefits in health, medicine, and agriculture, and are a major focus of research for developing novel therapeutic and functional applications MDPI+2.” 

In any number of studies to include the European Medicines Agency “Assessment Report on Pistacia lentiscus L., resina (mastia)” and BenchChem™’s “Triterpenoid Compounds from Chios Mastic Gum: A Technical Guide for Researchers”, Chios Mastic Gum has been shown to contain any number of “Bioactive Metabolites.” 

As a reminder, one of the main active ingredients in Nutri-Mastic™ is Chios Mastic Gum as supported by the excerpt: “Triterpenoids from Chios mastic gum have been shown to exert their anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-kB signaling pathways.” This is illustrated below by a flow chart provided by 

BenchChem™ titled: “Caption: Inhibition of the NF-kB signaling pathway by Chios mastic gum triterpenoids.”  

The caveat we add is as we attempt to fill in the open shapes illustrated below, the IFUS Scientific Team must also consider the role of ionic minerals in this specific NF-kB signaling pathway, as well in other pathways associated with human disease (while also considering overlays to plant and animal diseases to include the soil).

Lastly, IFUS offer a series of White Papers intended to provide plausible links of claims (made by the users of our products) and science like that provide by S.A. Blomquist, et.al., (“Mastic Gum: A Promising Phytotherapeutic for Cardiometabolic Health.” Nutrients 2024, 16, 2941.) and offered below: 

 

Greater detail from the illustration above will be provided in later updates. This includes progress being made to fill in the empty geometric shapes offered by BenchChem™ as shown above.  

“The continued evolution of studies and data as to the efficacy of Chios Mastic Gum has evolved into a framework that now offers plausible evidence worthy of consideration by health care professionals and their patients, who are reporting improvements in their physical and emotional states through the responsible use of the Intact Nutrition™ line of products. IFUS continues to strongly recommend that the application of the IFUS Intact Digest™ and Intact Endurance™ Lines be carefully applied with the guidance of health care professionalsespecially if underlying health conditions exists and medicines are being consumed. IFUS also holds that emerging research continues to reinforce that the application of Chios Mastic Gum in a mineralized solution holds incredible potential to improve the well-being of humans…as well as the soil, plants, and animals. We recognize the scientific complexity offered in each of our Shareholder Updates. As stated before, our scientific team is tasked with and dedicated to search for ‘smoking-gun evidence’ as to the efficacy of our Intact Digest™ and Intact Endurance™ product lines based on both successful and unsuccessful outcomes being reported to us. This newest iteration of research, when combined with research performed to date and reconciled to claims by customers who report successful and beneficial outcomes from the responsible application of our products, provides new and deeper insights into the application of Nutri-Mastic™ as a unique and integrated product applied as a technology to support healthy outcomes. We believe we can continue to expand our IMPACT on our stakeholders in a positive manner…for soil, plant, animal, and human health through safe, sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly supplementation. This remains our most fundamental outcome. And, in doing so, we believe that you, our shareholders, will benefit,” said Marc Walther, CEO of Impact Fusion International.

Once more, we are “Back to work!” 

The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, diet, or health regimen. 

For our customers of both Intact Digest™ and Intact Endurance™ you may now send your testimonials to: 

mwalther@impactfusionintl.com   We can also be reached at 1-800-775-4130 seven days a week. 

About Impact Fusion International Inc. 

204 Highway 1011 

Napoleonville LA 70390 

1-800-775-4130